Why do planes have an overhead compartment if they have a cargo hold?

Answers

Best Answer: Because they want to use every available space. By getting people to put at least some of their luggage in overhead bins, there is less stuff in the cargo bay - meaning there might be room leftover down there to carry revenue cargo.

Also because passengers may have personal items they want to keep with them during the flight or during their transfers when they don't have access to their checked bags.

Overhead lockers are intended for personal items the passenger may want to access in between check-in and luggage reclaim. Weight limited to 7Kg normally and dimensions of a small suitcase or back pack.